October already. As someone who is moving once again at the end of the year and possibly getting into teaching full time, I’m rather aware at the moment of the school term, end of year exams and preferences. And let’s face it, it wasn’t that long ago that I was having to put in preferences for after high school.
For those who are considering the horse industry and related studies, don’t let a course acceptance ascertain if you’re going to do something with horses or not.
I got into my Diploma of Horse Studies with no worries but got knocked back for the Irish National Stud the first time round (and found the extra twelve months experience before going to the National Stud to be invaluable). Now I’m applying to do an equine nursing course dependent on finding a job that will allow me the one weekday off a week to study. I’m also applying for a teaching position.
The worst thing that can happen is I end up with too many choices.
If you’re not sure, just put out feelers to all possibilities that appeal to you and wait to see which doors are opened for that particular season of your life.
There are many places out there that are willing to:
– take on working pupils (especially competition and riding school properties)
– run apprenticeships (such as jockeys and farriery work)
– employ you and allow one to two days a week of study (such as studs/veterinary practices).
For anyone but especially those of you going through your final years of high school make sure you take the time to shop around for what best suits your funds, available time and interests. And remember, it’s not the end of the world if you get halfway through a course or a few months into a job and then decide it’s not for you – better to find out sooner and just put it down to experience, not a resulting failure.
“I believe it’s been the most gratifying experience I’ve ever felt. Once you sit upon the saddle, and place both feet on their proper recess, and whisper the horse into a gallop, you realize you’ve only begun to live once you’ve met the riding horse.” – Carlos Astudillo
tag: equine nursing, horse course, apprenticeship, farriery, jockey, stud work
***Know that you want a career with horses but not sure what exactly? Check out the Vocation 100 page for a growing list of possible vocations with horses and relating posts.***
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